Type-writing machine.



B. C. STICKNEY.

TYPE WRITING MACHINE.

APPLICATION men JULY 27. 1911.

1,178,189. Patented Apr. 4, 1916.

FIG. I.

WITNESSES: JJMZ) UNITED STATES rn'rn'r BURNHAM C. STICKNEY, OF ELIZABETH. NEW JERSEY. ASSIGNOR- T0 UNDERWOOD TYPEWRITER COMPANY, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE.

TYPE-WRITING MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 4, 1916.

Applicationfiled July 27, 1911. Serial No. 640,771.

State of New Jersey, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in TypelVriting Machines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to means for releasing the platens from the line-space wheels of typewriting machines.

One object of the invention is to provide a. positively acting train of connections between the line-space wheel and the platen, so that the platen will not either overthrow or underthrow when the usual line-spacing lever is violently actuated. and so as to render the machine more reliable under all other conditions; while permitting easy release of the platen from the line-space wheel when desired.

Other objects are to secure these results by inexpensive, compact and durable. mechanism. and to construct a device which can be readily applied to existing machines.

The accompanying drawings show the preferred form of my present improvements. In this form, an internal gear device is secured to the line-space wheel. A pinion meshes with said internal gear, and is pivoted to an arm which is fixed to the axle to which the platen is also fixed or connected. I also provide two loose arms, each carrying a pinion to mesh with said internal gear, and each movable independently of the other (and independently of said fixed arm) about the platen axle; such movement of the loose arms being independent also of the line-space wheel. These pinions upon the loose arms are held by a spring in mesh with the gear on the fixed arm. One of the loose arms is disposed on one side of the fixed arm, and the other arm is disposed on the other side thereof. Hence one of the loose arm pinions, by reason of its engagement with gear, to lock the platen and line-space wheel firmly against relative rotation in either for ward or backward direction. However, since. the pinions may not in all cases mesh 'pertcctly, so as to providethe desired rigid connection between the line space wheel and platen, I contrive that each pinion shall be relied upon only to prevent relative movcment in one direction while the other loose pinion is relied upon to prevent such relative movement in the opposite direction.

As a further provision against shaking or relative slipping movement between the platen and the line space wheel, when there is failure on the part of either or both loose pinions to mesh with the teeth on the fixedarm pinion, that is when the teeth of the pinions interfere instead of interengaging. I provide two. auxiliary or reserve loose. arms, each carrying a pinion in mesh with said internal g ar, for engagement with the said fixed-arm pinion. These reserve or auxiliary pinions however are differentiated from the. first-mentioned loose pinions, being preferably of difi'crent diameters, so that their teeth are presented to the fixed-arm pinion or common pinion) differently from the first-mentioned loose pinions, so that in casethe teeth on either of the first-mentioned loose pinions interfere with the teeth of the common pinion, then the teeth on the corresponding loose pinion are sure to mesh with the teeth on the common pinion, so that play or shake between the line space wheel and platen, in either direction, is entirely avoided. In other words, if one loose arm fails to connect, the other loose arm on the same side of the common pinion must necessarily make the desired connection between the platen and the line-space wheel.

A finger-piece is connected to means for separating the loose pinions from the common pinion concomitantly. so that the platen may be rotated independently of the line space wheel; and springs thereafter return the loose pinions into engagement with the common pinion, thus reconnecting the .platen to the line space wheel.

Other objects and advantages will hereinafter appear.

In the accon'ipanying drawings. Figure 1 is a side elevation of one end of a platen frame and line-space wheel, illustrating the present improvements in one form. Fig. 2

' 8 is a sectional end view, showing the releasinglever and the casing which incloses the gearing.

The usual cylindrical platen 1 is fixed by a pin 2 upon an axle 3, which is journaled in the usual manner in the ends 1 of a platen frame, and projects beyond said ends, and carries at each end a knob 5 fixed to the platen axle. Loose upon the platen axle is a line-space wheel 6, having a hub 7. The line-space wheel is held in normal position by a detent 8, and is operated by the usual mechanism, including a driving pawl 9. Fixed upon the line-space wheel 6 is an annular internal gear 10 which may be termed a ring gear, seated in and fixed to an annular flange 11 which projects from the face of the line-space wheel. Fixed to the platen axle 3 by means of a pin 12 or otherwise, is a radial arm 13, to the free end of which is pivoted a pinion 14 meshing closely with the gear 10. Loose upon the platen axle 3, is an arm 15 carrying a pinion 16, also in mesh with the gear 10. Also loose upon said axle is an arm 17 carrying a pinion 18 likewise in mesh with said gear 10, and on the opposite side of 14: from 16. A spring 23 draws the loose arms 15 and 17 toward each other to bring the pinions 16, 18 into mesh with the common pinion 14; the pinion 16 then preventing rotation of 14 in one direction while the pinion 18 prevents rotation of 14: in the opposite direction. Said spring 23 is connected at one end to an extension 24: of loose arm 15. and at the other end to an extension 25 of loose arm 17:, said extensions being preferably below the platen axle 3, that is. on the opposite side of said axle of said pinions, for compactness.

It will be understood that under most circumstances, the loose pinions 16 and 18 will be drawn by the spring 23 into proper engagement with the common pinion 14; but it is possible that either of the loose pinions may be occasionally presented to the common pinion in such a manner that the tips of the pinion teeth will interfere, so that a complete proper connection will not be made between the line space wheel and platen, to prevent relative slip thereof in either direction. The possible slip between the linespace wheel and platen obviously may be reduccd by reducing the size of the gear 10 and pinions. Where extreme accuracy or masses adjustment of the platen is not desired, the slight slip possible when the gear teeth are made fine may not prove a serious objection. The addition of means to prevent such slip may in such case be dispensed with, that is,

only the loose pinions 16 and 18 may be employed. Also in some cases, one of said loose pinions may be dispensed with, leaving the three members 1-1, 16 and 10 as the on y members of the train of gearing, the single loose pinion serving to limit the relative movement of the platen and line-space wheel in both directions. In the preferred form of the invention however, the gear and pinion teeth are of substantial size. in order to secure a strong connection between the platen and line space wheel, and hence there is some liability of interference of the pinion teeth. To provide for this contingency I have added an arm 26 similar to 15, and behind the same or to the right thereof at Fig. 5; and I have also provided an arm 27 similar to 17 and behind the latter, or to the left of 13 at Fig. 5. -These arms 26 and 27 are both loose upon the axle 3, and are each movable independently of the other and of the remaining arms: and they carry respectively pinions 33 and 34. These pinions are spring-pressed toward the common pinion 1 1, and they are preferably-of substantially larger diameter than the pinions 16 and 18, so as to be substantially differentiated therefrom, whereby when the teeth on 16, for instance, interfere with the teeth on 14 then the teeth on 33 will mesh with the teeth'on 14 to the desired extent for the purpose specified; and conversely if the teeth on 33 interfere with or abut against the tips on 14, then the teeth on 16 will properly mesh or engage with the teeth 14: these pinions 16 and 33 being independently movable with relation to 14, and the springs urging constantly both pinions 16 and '33 into mesh with 14. The same holds true of pinions 18 and 34 with respect to 14. Therefore either 16 or 33 is sure to cause a positive connection to be effected in one direction between the line space wheel and platen. and at the same time either 18 or 34 forms a similar connection in the other direction between the line space wheel and platen. In other words the teeth of 16 and 33 cannot concomitantly interfere with or become fouled upon the teeth of 14: and the same is true of 17 and 34. A spring 35 is connected to eaten sions 36 and 37 of arms 26 and 27 respectively, said spring corresponding in function to the spring 23.

When the loose armsv or pinion-carrying devices 15, 17, 26. 27 are swung to the positions seen at Fig. 7, the pinion 14 on the middle arm 13 will be disengaged from the pinions on said loose arms, and hence the platen may be rotated independently of the line-space wheel. The movements of the jection 42 on a lever 43, which 1s pivoted at parts to the Fig. 7 position are effected by a finger piece 38, mounted upon a pair of stems 39, which pass through the handwheel 5, and at their inner ends are joined to a plate having a hub 41 to slide along the platen axle. This plate engages a pro- 44 to a lug 45 formed uponarm 13,,and is forked to embrace said lug, and also to clear the platen axle 3. At its lower end said lever has bevels or cam edges 46, to pass between the extensions 24,25, and separate the same. This position is seen at Fig. 7, which is a View taken in the opposite direction from Fig. 2. The extensions 24, 25 have ears 47, 48, respectively, which are engaged by the cams 46; and these ears also catch the extensions 36 and 37 respectively, so that the latter are concomitantly separated, and hence all of the loose pinions are disconnected from the pinion 14 on the rotatable arbor or shaft 49, which is mounted on the arms 13. The ears 47, 48, as seen at Fig. 2, are normally clear of the extensions 36 and 37, so as to permit relative movements of the arms 15 and 26, as well as of the arms 17 and 27 so that if one pinion, as 16, fouls with another pinion, the other arm, as 26, may move independently, to enable the pinion 33 to engage with its mate. The bevels 46 terminate in dead portions 50 on said lever 43, which may engage the ears 47,

48 and hold them apart mechanically; so that the operator, by first pressing the button 38 in as far as it will go, will be at liberty to use both hands in adjusting the platen and the work sheet, while upon 'sub- -sequently pulling out the button 38, the disk 40 will engage a hook 51 on said lever 43, and pull the same to normal position, Fig. 3. If the operator does not want to lock the arms apart, he will not press the button in so far.

Variations may be resorted to within the scope of the invention, and portions of the improvements may be used without others.

Having thus described my invention," I claim:

1. The combination with aplaten and a line-space wheel, of a gear on said wheel, a pinion on said platen, two pairs .of loose pinions, and springs urging said loose pinions into mesh with the first pinion.

2. The combination of a gear a device ad justable along said gear, a pi-nion on sa d adjustable device and meshing with said gear, four independent loose pinions on said adjustable device, and springs causing said loose pinions to mesh with said first pinion to lock the adjustable device wherever it is placed.

3. The combination with a platen and a line-space wheel, of a connecting train including a pinion and a gear meshing with each other, and a plurality of pinions of diiferent diameters meshing constantly with sa dgear and movable into and out of mesh with said pinion, to lock and to release said platen and said line-space wheel with respect to each other.

4. The combination with a platen and a 11116 813308 Wheel, of aconnecting train including a pinion and a gear meshing with each other, and a plurality of pinions meshng constantly with said gear and movable into and out of mesh with said pinion to lock and to release said platen and said linespace wheel with respect to each other, said pinions having their axes eccentrically disposed with respect to each other, so that the action of one will be intermediate the action of another.

5. The combination with a platen and a line-space wheel, of a connecting train including a pinion and a gear meshing with each other, and a plurality of pinions of different diameters adapted to mesh with said pinion and gear so as to lock them against relative movement, but movable to permit a relative movement between said pinion and gear.

6. The combination with aplaten, and a line-space wheel, of a connecting train including an annular gear and a pinion running within and in mesh with said annular gear, and locking pinions within the annular gear and independently movable while in mesh with the annular gear into and out of engagement with said pinion.

7. The combination of a platen and a line-space wheel having a common axis of rotation, an annular gear carried by said wheel and rotatable about said axis, a pinion carried by said platen eccentric to said axis, and pinions movable into and out of interlocking engagement with said firstnamed pinion and gear.

. 8. The combination with a platen and a line-space wheel, of a connecting train including a pinion and a gear, and locking pinions having differentially disposed teeth and movable into and out of interlocking engagement with said pinion and gear.

9. The combination with a platen and a line-space wheel, of a connecting train including a pinion and a gear, and locking pinions having different diameters to secure a differential relation of their teeth, said pinions being movable into and out of interlocking relation to said pinion and gear.

10. The combination with a platen and a line-space wheel, of a gear fixed to said wheel, an arm fixed to said platen, a toothed member pivoted on said arm to mesh or cooperate with said gear, two pairs of loose arms, each of said loose arms movable independently of all the others, and a toothed member pivoted upon each loose arm to mesh or cooperate with said gear and also to engage the first-mentioned toothed memher to lock said platen and wheel against relative rotation.

11. The combination with a platen and a line-space wheel, of a gear fixed to-said wheel, an arm fixed to said platen, a toothed member pivoted 011 said arm to mesh or cooperate with said gear, two pairs of loose arms, each of said loose arms movable independently of all the others, and a toothed member pivoted upon each loose arm to mesh or cooperate with said gear and also to engage the first-mentioned toothed memher to lock said platen and wheel against relative rotation; the toothed members upon the loose arms being differentiated from one another in a manner to enable certain thereof to mesh it another or others thereof interfere witlrthe first-mentioned toothed member.

12. The combination of a platen, a linespace wheel, a connecting train including a gear and a pinion, two pairs of loose pinions, and springs urging said loose pinions into mesh with the first-mentioned pinion. 13. The combination with a platen and a line-space wheel, of a connecting train including a gear and a pinion, and releasable pinions to independently connect said gear and the first-named pinion and thereby lock the line-space wheel and platen together.

14c. The combination with a platen and a line-space wheel, of a connecting train including a gear and a pinion, pinions independently movable to mesh with both said gear and said pinion, yielding means to hold them in mesh, and means to move them out of mesh.

15. The combination with a platen and a line-space wheel, of a connecting train including a pinion and a gear, and locking pinions permanently in mesh with said gear and separately movable into engagement with said pinion to lock the train.

16. The combination of a platen and a line-space wheel having a common axis of rotation, a connecting train including a ring gear and a pinion within and meshing with said gear, and locking pinions within the ring gear on opposite sides of said firstnamed pinion having a rolling contact with the ring gearand movable into locking contact with said pinion.

17. The combination with a platen and a line-spacewheel, of a connecting train including an annular gear and a pinion in mesh with said gear, locking pinions on onposite sides of said pinion and in mesh with said annular gear, and means to move said locking pinions into and out of locking engagement with said pinion.

18. The combination with a platen and a line-space wheel, of a connecting train including a ring gear and a pinion, locking pinions on opposite sides of said pinion, a spring to move said locking pinions into interlocking engagement with said gear and pinion, and means to move said pinions out of locking position.

19. The combination of a platen, a linespace wheel, a gear, an arm adjustable along said gear, said arm and said gear being connected respectively to said platen and wheel, a pinion on said adjustable arm and meshing with said gear, four independent loose pinions on-said adjustable arm, and springs causing said loose pinions to mesh with said first pinion to'lock the adjustable arm wherever it is placed.

20. The combination with a platen and a linespace wheel, of a gear, pinions meshing with said gear, an arm upon which one of said pinions is pivoted, said arm and said gear being connected respectively to said platen and wheel, a rotary device connected to each other pinion, a spring to hold said rotary devices in position tohold their pinions in engagement to connect the platen to the line-space wheel, and a finger-piece having means to separate said rotary devices to permit the platen to be rotated independ' ently of the line-space wheel. 1

21. The combination with a platen and a line-space wheel, of a connecting train including a gear and a pinion, said gear and pinion meshing with each other, and pinions, each meshing constantly with said gear and independently movable into and out of mesh with said first-named pinion to lock and to release said platen and said linespace wheel with respect to each other.

22. The combination with a platen and a line-space wheel, of means for holding said wheel stationary in different positions of adjustment, a connecting train including a gear and a pinion between said wheel and platen, and locking pinions permanently in mesh with said gear and movable into engagement with said first-named pinion to lock the train with the line-space wheel in any position of adjustment.

23. The combination with a platen and a line-space wheel, of a connecting train in cluding a gear and a pinion, locking pinions permanently in mesh with said gear and movable into engagement with said firstnamed pinion, to lock the platen and lines pace wheel in any relative position of adustment, v

24. The combination with a platen and a line-space wheel, of a connecting train including a gear and a pinion, a uniting pinion whose teeth bridge said gear and pinion to lock the platen and line-space wheel together, and means to release said uniting pinion when the platen is at rest in any rotative position.

25. The combination with a platen and a line-space wheel, of a connecting train in: cluding a gear and a pinion, a pinion meshing constantly with said gear, and means to move said last-mentioned pinion to carry its teeth into and out of mesh with said firstnamed pinion when the platen is in any rotative position to lock together and release said platen and line-space Wheel.

26. In a. typewriting machine, the combination of a platen, a line-space wheel, an internal gear, a pivotally mounted pinion fixedly supported with relation to said platen and meshing with said gear, two 10 pairs of loosely supported pinions, and springs to force the loosely supported pinions into mesh with the fixed pinion.

BURNHAM C. STICKNEY.

Witnesses K. FRANKFORT, C. RIPLEY.

copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the commissioner of Patents. Washington, D. 0. 

